The prosecutions against the former leaders of the deposed regime in Gabon continue to occupy the headlines. After the incarceration of Noureddin Bongo, son of Ali Bongo, a week ago, three other personalities were placed under arrest warrant at the Libreville central prison. Among them are the former Minister of Oil, a former Minister of Public Works and an economic operator.
The former Minister of Oil, Vincent de Paul Massassa, was already in the crosshairs since the early hours of the coup d’état on August 30, 2023. After four years in this position, he was indicted on charges of misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement and money laundering.
As for Léon Armel Bounda Balondzi, he left his position as Minister of Public Works almost a year before the overthrow of the regime. At the time of his arrest, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Autonomous Road Maintenance Fund. He is now incarcerated for cases of corruption and criminal association. According to sources close to the investigation, he also received cars as gifts.
Finally, Abdoul Houssein Moussavou, an economic operator, was also placed in detention. He faces charges of criminal conspiracy, public procurement failure and money laundering. Despite his lack of experience, he reportedly obtained a contract to build the Franceville market for an astronomical sum of 4 billion CFA francs, well above the offers of his competitors who only asked for 900 million CFA francs.
These arrests demonstrate the desire of the new Gabonese authorities to shed light on possible embezzlement and acts of corruption that took place under the former regime. Justice seems determined to pursue all those involved, whether they are former ministers or economic actors.
It is essential to emphasize that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty and have the right to a fair trial. However, these events also highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public affairs, in order to preserve the collective interest and restore the population’s confidence in its leaders.
The case continues to arouse the interest of public opinion in Gabon, who impatiently await the unfolding of legal proceedings to learn the whole truth about past actions. This transition period seems to mark a decisive turning point in the country’s history, with the hope of political renewal and more transparent governance.